Summary

• A quick container check helps prevent water damage, contamination, and rejected cargo at port or border.

• Inspect the exterior and interior before loading, then repeat key checks after packing.

• Doors, seals, moisture, and old labels cause many avoidable delays.

• SMP Global can coordinate container checks as part of freight planning, storage, and cross-border moves.

A container may look acceptable at first glance, then fail on simple points such as a damaged seal or damp flooring. These checks take minutes and often save days of delay.

Before loading: exterior checks

Start with the structure and access points. If these fail, do not load.

• Walls and roof are free from holes, cracks, and dents that could allow water ingress

• Doors open and close smoothly, hinges are secure

• Locking bars and closing devices operate properly

• Old labels and placards are removed, including previous IMO markings

Special container types

Flatracks

• Stanchions are complete and correctly fitted, where ordered

• Lashing belts are present, including all belts on 40 ft flatracks

Open-top containers

• Roof bows are complete and correctly fitted

• Tarpaulin is intact and fits properly

• Roof eyes are present and ropes are not frayed

Hard-top containers

• Roof is undamaged

• Locking mechanism fits and operates properly

Before loading: interior checks

Focus on water ingress, contamination risk, and physical damage hazards.

Watertight test
Enter the container, close both doors, and look for incoming light around door gaskets, roof seams, and wall joints. Light usually indicates a gap, which allows water to enter.

Check the interior condition.

• Interior is dry, with no standing water, condensation, or frost

• Container is clean, free from residue, and neutral in odour

• No protruding nails, screws, or sharp edges that could damage packaging

After packing: dispatch checks

Packing quality matters as much as container condition. Cargo may shift during sea transport or cross-border trucking.

Check packing and documents.

• Cargo is secured for the expected transit conditions

• Packing list is placed inside in a visible location for inspections

• Timber packaging includes treatment proof where required by destination rules

Secure the container fully.

• Doors and roof coverings are completely closed

• Seals are fitted and seal numbers are recorded

• Open-top tarpaulins are threaded and secured to meet customs closure requirements

• Tarpaulins covering cargo are tightly fastened

• Old labels are removed after packing, not left on container doors

Reefer and temperature-controlled cargo

• Correct temperature is set before dispatch

• Temperature recorder is running and the display is working

Practical note

An open-top container with a small tear in the tarpaulin may pass a quick yard check. After heavy rain during port handling, cargo often arrives wet and claims begin before the vessel sails.